§ Mr. ALDENasked the Secretary for the Colonies, whether he is aware that last year on Ocean Island, Paanspa, Gilbert Islands, Western Pacific, between 500 and 600 tons of phosphates were taken out of a piece of land over which the Pacific Phosphate Company had no existing right; whether the native owners claim to redress has been settled, and if compensation has been given, what did it amount to per ton, and what was the whole sum of the compensation paid; whether the company and the new Resident Commissioner have put pressure upon the natives who have declined to sell or lease their lands; whether forced labour for the Government without pay or food, formerly allowed, has been imposed upon the natives; whether the natives have been ordered to move from the Uma main village in order to make way for the company; and whether, in consequence of the resistance which is being offered to the extension of the company's operations, it is proposed that a large tract of country shall be proclaimed as a mining area?
Mr. HARCOURTI have no information as to the alleged removal of 500 tons428W of phosphates from land in Ocean Island over which the Pacific Phosphate Company had no rights, or to a consequent claim from the native owners for compensation, but I will inquire whether there is any foundation for this allegation. The new Resident Commissioner has not put any pressure upon the natives to sell or lease their lands to the company against their will. If my hon. Friend will give me instances in which the company are said to have done so I will cause the strictest inquiry to be made. I have no reason to believe that any forced labour for the Government has been imposed upon the natives of Ocean Island. The natives have not as far as I am aware been ordered to move from any village to make way for the company. The question of defining the area over which the company shall be allowed to mine is now under consideration.